AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Individuals with disabilities facing barriers to employment can benefit from the utilization of a wellness program that is complimentary to the services received through vocational rehabilitation (VR). Government agencies and researchers believe that promoting wellness amongst individuals with disabilities will help address the gap between unemployment, disability and health; and that VR programs are a viable delivery method. By recognizing the relationship between wellness components and employment, individuals seeking work will have greater opportunities to secure long term vocational goals. Data for this project was obtained by utilizing library resources, professional journals, EBSCO host, internet resources, and conducting personal interviews with staff members of the DOR. The data was extracted from all of the following resources: peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, and materials from relevant agency websites that promote wellness for individuals both with and without disabilities. Research revealed that health trends are exceptionally worse for individuals with disabilities than for the general population for reasons involving sedentary lifestyles, high obesity rates and low self-esteem linked to unemployment. Based on the information gathered, numerous health conditions that individuals in VR programs are dealing with are exceedingly relevant to lifestyle factors which can be managed. It is recommended that the wellness curriculum be implemented into part of the VR system to promote better health for individuals with disabilities while preparing them for long term employment.